PLEASE DON’T “Eat What I Eat” Pt 2: Why Your Trainer Has No Business Using Their Diet As Your Guide
I’m about to tell you a lot about what I eat…
I know what you are thinking.
“Didn’t she just tell us that we shouldn’t just mimic what our trainer eats. Isn’t that bad nutrition advice.”
You are right in Part 1 of this 3-part series, I detailed the problems with trainers simply sharing what they eat. I detailed a little bit about the impact of genetics on our body composition, the difference between “nutrition coaches”, and registered dietitians, and the challenges with simply trying to follow a meal plan, let alone someone else’s meal plan.
But I still recognize that when it comes to our health and fitness motivation, we are looking for examples. So I decided to share some of the foods I eat with a caveat. With each example, I’ll share why you might choose to eat this and then why you might not choose to eat it. Not exactly pros and cons, but more an illustration of the many factors that go into our own very individual dietary choices.
Let me reiterate, this is not meant to be a guide for how YOU should eat. That’s the whole point.
And let me get this out of the way. I’m a vegetarian (I eat dairy and eggs just no animal flesh). I have been a vegetarian for close to six years. I don’t talk about it much because it is never my intent to “convert” anyone or even suggest it. My choice aligns with some of my personal values but is also not in any way some epic form of activism. I did not choose the diet for health reasons (being vegetarian, vegan, or any other kind of diet for that matter doesn’t immediately equate to being “healthier”). I genuinely really enjoy eating this way at the moment but also reserve the right to change my mind any time. That being said, it illustrates a pretty great example of not needing to follow my meal plan. You won’t see any meat below but eating meat can be a very important and nutritious part of other peoples’ diets.
So without further ado... some of my meals.
Overnight Oats
These are one of my favorites right now. I mix oats, milk, fruit, chocolate, and nuts together and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, I heat it up in the microwave (I really prefer it to be warm) and top it with some Greek yogurt and maple syrup. It is really filling post workout and it satisfies my breakfast sweet tooth.
Why you might eat it- you are looking for an easy breakfast, you want some whole grains and protein post-workout, you like oatmeal, you are looking for something sweet that is also filling
Why you might not eat it- you don’t like oatmeal, you are looking for lower carbohydrate options, you don’t really love breakfast foods
Veggie Omelets with Roasted Sweet Potatoes
I love eggs and potatoes, plus I’m really getting my omelet technique down. This is a typical lunch for me. I usually roast a half or a whole sweet potato and eat it with a 2-3 egg omelet stuffed with veggies and sometimes cheese depending on my mood.
Why you might eat it- you are looking for a complete protein source and you like eggs, you are looking for a way to get a large serving of veggies in at a meal, you are looking for something that isn’t another sandwich
Why you might not eat it- you prefer to have meat, you have an egg allergy, you don’t like sweet potatoes, you don’t have your omelet flip down and so you just end up with mush
Impossible Burger Bowl
I still struggle to be creative for dinner but I found a great recipe from Food Heaven for plant-based burger bowls so we have been eating those regularly. Mixed greens with any combination of burger toppings and I use either an Impossible or Beyond burger.
Why you might eat it- you like imitation burgers, you want the taste of a burger with extra veggies and no bun, you are looking for a way to add some extra veggies, you want a super quick dinner.
Why you might not eat it- you don’t like imitation meat, you want a bun, you are looking for a meal with meat
Cliff Bar Protein Bar
I LOVE the mint chocolate Cliff Builder’s Protein Bar. I generally like protein bars but this one is my favorite. For my level of activity, I am usually looking for more protein so this or a Core Power shake are my go-to’s.
Why you might eat it- You love mint and chocolate together, you need a super quick snack (like in between clients), you are trying to find ways to sneak in more calories
Why you might not eat it- You don’t like protein bars, you would rather eat a traditional meal, you will have to leave it in the car and it will melt, you don’t like chocolate
Waffles with Butter and Syrup and Chocolate Chips
On Sundays my daughter and I make waffles. It has truly become one of my most cherished moments of the week and something she really loves too. They are delicious and we have really perfected the recipe. Our favorite toppings are butter, syrup, and chocolate chips but sometimes we throw on some fruit and nuts.
Why you might eat it- you love a sweet and carby breakfast, you have a waffle maker, you like any excuse to have more butter (my daughter’s reason), it’s a special family activity
Why you might not eat it- you prefer a savory breakfast, you are hungover and want something greasy, you slept past breakfast, you want something a little more satiating that stays with you a little longer (i.e. some more protein)
And those are just a few things I eat… I also eat ice cream, and spinach, and nachos, and apples, and pizza. Everyone eats different things and that is good!
In Part 3, I’ll share the habits I work on with my clients who have nutrition goals. These take the focus off calories and meal plans and focus on behaviors that make for a more sustainable and rich relationship with food.
